From concert halls to cathedrals, you’re never far from quality live music in Cambridgeshire. Here’s what your local venues have to offer this month
Corn Exchange
4 June, 7.30pm: Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel with special guest Glenn Tilbrook
Marking Steve Harley’s 49th year in music, this massive gig promises plenty of bangers, including the radio icon Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me). The Cockney Rebel frontman is touted as one of the most charismatic live performers onstage today. And there’s also a special guest appearance from Squeeze singer Glenn Tilbrook, whose irrepressible sense of humour matches his talent for songwriting.
10 June, 7.30pm: Ronan Keating
With an epic back catalogue of hits from his time in Boyzone and as a solo artist, Ronan Keating’s dulcet tones have helped to shape pop music since the 90s, providing the soundtrack to so many major life events, from first kisses to first dances. Expect all your favourite tunes, plus a few newbies from Ronan’s latest albums, released during lockdown.
11 June, 7.30pm: The Hollies
The Hollies are back on the road to celebrate their 60th anniversary, with what’s promised to be one of the most special shows in the band’s history. Original members Bobby Elliott and Tony Hicks will be on drums and lead guitar, respectively, for an evening of rock ‘n’ roll revelry.
The Junction
15 June, 7pm: Madison Violet
Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled by the earthy harmonies and natural storytelling of multi-instrumental duo Madison Violet, whose musical connection and breathtaking live shows are said to be unrivalled.
26 June, 8pm: Steve Forbert
Melding folk and roots-rock with rich storytelling, Steve Forbert was a pioneer of Americana long before it was recognised with its own category by the Grammys. His latest concert will feature new songs from 2022’s album Moving Through America.
The Portland Arms
4 June, 7.30pm: Special Kinda Madness
Tribute acts for Madness and the Specials take to the stage together, with two incredible sets of iconic tunes and energetic performance sure to get you on your feet.
10 June, 7.30pm: Wrest
This Scottish indie band started out writing songs in Edinburgh’s Old Town, channelling Frightened Rabbit and The National with tender melodies and gorgeous guitar riffs. Now, they’re taking songs from latest album End All The Days for a spin, following rave reviews after the release of their debut in 2019.
St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church
17 June, 7.00pm: Zoë Gilby Trio
Cambridge Modern Jazz presents Zoë Gilby, the Parliamentary Awards jazz vocalist of the year for 2019. She will perform songs from new album Aurora, which takes the fine instrumentals of trumpeter Tom Harrell and merges them with smart, narrative lyrics and some sensational vocals.
Ely Cathedral
25 June, 7.30pm: Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra, Mendelssohn: Sunshine and Shade
Making its debut at the Ely Arts Festival, Suffolk’s professional orchestra plays music from Mendelssohn that will transport you all the way from the sunny climes of southern Italy, to the fresh, windswept shores of the Inner Hebrides.
Trinity College Chapel
26 June, 7pm: Cambridge Early Music, Bach’s Doubles and Triples
Acclaimed violinist Rachel Podger joins the Irish Baroque Orchestra to perform a selection of Bach’s celebrated works for two or three soloists, like the ever-popular Double Violin Concerto.
